“The guy who is too distracted by the woman prancing around his house in lingerie.”
I pull him closer to me by squeezing his arm. “I’ve already warned you to get used to it. Now, please clean out that collection of yours and pass me a cracker to soak up that mishap.”
He titters in response before affectionately kissing my forehead.
“You’re going to have to do a lot more than a chaste kiss.” I pretend to be in a foul mood.
“Of course.” He begins to move and rises up on his knees in front of me, then he slowly peels the blanket off my body. “How about I tell you happy New Year then worship every little inch of you.”
“I mean, not exactly abadway to start the year.” I give up on my theatrics and pull on his hands. “Happy New Year, now come here.”
“Yeah, not going to take you here on the floor. My plan was a few kisses, maybe nipple sucking, then carry you to my room. You’re pregnant. You deserve a soft mattress.”
What a Prince Charming.
“Then get me there now.”
Yep. Best New Year’s yet.
CHAPTER 16
ASHER
Glancing at my watch as I stand between the bench and ice, I’m well aware that I’m going to play nice and let the team go early from practice. They’ve earned it after our win, but our best forward is on a game-to-game decision, as he was cleared to play after an upper-body injury, but I’m not convinced he is ready for the ice. I’ve had to call up someone from the minors, and that line needs to practice.
But really, why am I going to end this practice early? Logistics. I need to get to Gracie’s doctor’s appointment. Missing the last one was not what I wanted, but this is the life we have to juggle during hockey season.
With Gracie settled now at my place, I was quick to notice a few things. She never said it, but I know that she was disappointed that I missed the last appointment. Sometimes she hides behind the excuse that she understands because it is what her mom experienced when her dad was coaching. I do believe her, but deep down, I know she wishes that in this moment it was different. The only thing I’m confident about is that she constantly reiterates that her childhood was amazing,even if her dad’s schedule was not ideal, and it will be the same for our child.
I’m trying my best, and no matter what, I’ll be there today. Iwantto be there.
Checking the goalies who are busy doing drills with the goaltending coach, I scan my vision back to our captain who is discussing a few techniques with our call-up. None of us are blind; when you are making your major league debut, then you have nerves.
“Asher, do you want to go over the video of Tampa?” My assistant coach hands me a tablet, as he’s been busy analyzing who we are playing next.
“Sure, but I’m going to have to run in ten.” The smile playing on my lips that I’m trying to hide is a fail.
The secret is slowly spilling out. At my meeting the other day with our GM, I had to break the news because if the baby comes early, then the date comes right smack dab around the draft in June. While Vaughn Madden, who has been our GM for years, didn’t seem to make a big deal about it, I’m not sure he would show how he has to change some piece of the puzzle in June. He’s always valued input from the head coach, and it’s my first year with the team. Yet, guilt didn’t cross my mind, not even once.
For a baby that was completely unexpected, I’m feeling how she or he is a game changer in my life, Gracie too. She is the perfect one to scare any of my stress away, and I look forward to returning home every single time.
Over my assistant coach’s shoulder, I see Declan appear and stand by the entrance. He crosses his arms and lifts his chin in a nod, suggesting that I should join him.
I hand the tablet back. “Sorry. Just give me a moment.”
Walking to Declan, his tiny smile should be disconcertingto some, but not me. I have a hunch about what this conversation is going to be.
“Congratulations,” he tells me.
A smirk tilts on my mouth. “I figured that Vaughn would tell you.”
Declan tips his head to the side. “We’re a family, this team, so good news spreads fast. But actually, it was the grandfather-to-be. He burst out his excitement over a scotch last night at dinner.”
We asked them to wait, but it was useless because Gracie herself let it slip the other day when she was fitting one of her mother’s friends at the boutique.
My droll smile is mixed with amusement. “You told me to keep sponsors happy,” I joke.
Declan slaps his hand on my shoulder, grinning. “Well, Hudson sure as hell isn’t going to stop sponsorship if his future son-in-law is the coach. Might even be in our favor. It also means that we can never fire you.”
